Patrick Mahomes playfully called Dylan Raiola his “lil cuzzo” after the college recruit reported for duty at Nebraska, bearing a striking resemblance to the Super Bowl-winning quarterback.
Raiola, a five-star quarterback prospect for the Cornhuskers, gained viral attention when photos of him reporting for camp surfaced on social media on Wednesday.
Among those who noticed the uncanny likeness between Mahomes and Raiola was Dolphins receiver Tyreek Hill. Raiola’s look, complete with ski glasses and a similar haircut to Mahomes, prompted Hill to comment on social media, “Boy ain’t no way @PatrickMahomes.”
Mahomes responded to Hill’s post, saying, “That’s my lil cuzzo.” The resemblance between Raiola and Mahomes doesn’t end with their appearance; Raiola also wears the number 15 jersey, just like Mahomes. His new head coach at Nebraska, Matt Rhule, noted that Raiola models much of his game after the Super Bowl MVP.
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Raiola’s journey to Nebraska has been notable. Initially committed to both the Ohio State Buckeyes and Georgia Bulldogs, the teenager ultimately chose to play for the Cornhuskers in late 2023. He is following in the footsteps of his father, Dominic Raiola, who was an All-American offensive lineman for Nebraska.
Born in Arizona, Dylan Raiola emerged as a standout prospect during his high school career. His exceptional performance earned him the title of Polynesian Football Player of the Year in 2023. As he begins his college career, Raiola aims to emulate Mahomes not only in style but also in success, aspiring to secure a spot as an NFL quarterback in the future.
In related NFL news, Jordan Love recently agreed to a four-year contract extension worth $220 million.
The deal includes a $75 million signing bonus and $155 million in guarantees, making Love the joint highest-paid player in the league and the best-paid quarterback in NFL history. Love’s new contract follows a successful season where he led the NFL’s youngest team to a 10-9 record and a playoff berth in his first year as a starter, stepping up after the departure of four-time MVP Aaron Rodgers, who was traded to the New York Jets in April 2023.
As Dylan Raiola embarks on his collegiate journey, the comparisons to Mahomes and the expectations placed upon him will undoubtedly add excitement and intrigue to his development as a player. With his talent and dedication, Raiola has the potential to follow in Mahomes’ footsteps and make a significant impact in the football world.
